I don’t know about you but on a cold, wintery (and typically English) day, the only consolation for getting out of bed is being able to wiggle into a pair of warm leggings and my new Emu’s (and possibly a hoody if I’m feeling super lazy). Whilst this isn’t necessarily a bad thing (they do keep you warm after all), the majority of the leggings I own are pretty boring. They’re plain black or plain brown. Plus, they are slightly unflattering as they are normally made of material which goes slightly baggy after a few washes. So, although warm and cozy – it’s not a great look.
Recently, I have discovered a brand new women’s leggings brand which puts the fun back into comfort (quite literally). Kiniki, the company that brought us tan-through swimwear (yes, really!) offer extremely affordable and warm, yet easy to wear printed leggings. The poly elastane material used in each pair holds you in (think Disco Pant style material), doesn’t go baggy in the wash and keeps the depressingly cold weather securely out.
If I’m completely honest, I usually steer clear of printed leggings, as the bold, loud patterns often make legs look far chunkier than they actually are, however the material used by Kiniki, and the cleverly designed prints help to banish this look altogether and are far more flattering than any I’ve tried before. Whilst sitting here typing this, I am currently wearing my Astro Spark Leggings, which are designed to resemble fireworks.
Initial thoughts told me to back away from the leggings as the bold prints were very loud and I feared they might make me look a little over the top, however upon trying them on, I noticed that the explosive firework design was placed very cleverly to accentuate the great parts (the shins, the bum) but flatter any lumps and bumps (top of thighs, tummy) by using a black galaxy print. It sounds rather far-fetched, but I’m very impressed by just how the printed leggings look – and I think the trick to wearing them out and about is to make them your statement piece and dress around it. I wore my Astro Leggings with a black baggy jumper and a pair of black studded ankle boots, which I think went quite well together.
My Astro Leggings were £44.90 but have now been reduced to £31.43 after a 30% launch offer, which I think is great. I am a big fan of investment pieces (and my leggings are definitely an affordable investment piece), especially if they are going to jazz up an outfit or act as a great fail-safe item when you’re having a ‘bleurgh’ day. I wear mine out and about, as well as relaxing at home – and so they are definitely getting a lot of wear. I personally think they’d make a great gift for Christmas, especially if you’re buying for a friend/relative who seemingly has everything, as you can be sure they won’t have a pair of these in your wardrobe!
One of my favourite patterns (aside from Astro) is the Twiggy leggings, a plain white pair emblazoned with a gorgeously retro geographic print pattern. The bold, sleek vertical print is designed specifically to lengthen legs and draw attention away from any problem areas, in turn shifting the focus over to your gorgeously long legs! I’m sold!
The leggings are supposed to be quite tightly fitted, but I went for a M (usually a size 10/12) just to be sure they were comfy when lounging around rather than squeezing your stomach every-time you sit down. They are quite stretchy, so are comfortable for day to day wear, however they do resemble disco pants in the sense they hold you in and that they hide lumps and bumps! To take advantage of the 30% off offer, visit http://www.kiniki.com/womens/leggings/
